Bad news on my family front

[garnigal]

I've been putting off posting this because, well, I didn't want to acknowledge it.

Some of you might remember my mom's youngest sister was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer 18 months ago. We thought she was doing well - vacations were planned, her engagement ring and wedding band got 'done with chemo' celebratory rocks, and she was looking forward to reconstruction on her breasts.

Two Fridays ago, she had a seizure.

She has a secondary tumour in her brain, and the oncologist is estimating 6-9 months. She's starting radiation tomorrow, to try and stretch that time as long as possible, but...

She's 46.

She's 46, and I can't even think about this without crying. I'm grateful she was at my wedding, but we're trying to get pregnant. She babysat me. I babysat her son. I never thought I'd bring a kid into this world who wouldn't get to know his Aunt Debbie.

Comments

[cindergal.livejournal.com]

Oh geez, that's younger than me. I'm so sorry. ::big hugs::

[garnigal.livejournal.com]

I'm advocating breast cancer screening for every woman I know. Deb had no symptoms, but a friend hassled her until she got a baseline checkup. Apparently a local research university is testing a blood test for breast cancer, which hopefully will catch more cases earlier.

Thanks for the hugs.

[sunnyd-lite.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

[garnigal.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Sunny.

[rahirah]

I'm so sorry. My sister's on chemo for life, however long that turns out to be, so I've got some idea. :(

[garnigal.livejournal.com]

I'll be thinking of you and your sister.

[slaymesoftly.livejournal.com]

*hugs you so tight* Life does suck sometimes, and the premature death of a loved relative is awful to contemplate and live through. I'm so sorry.

[garnigal.livejournal.com]

It's been a rough 2 years for my mom's family. Deb's diagnoses, followed by Grandma's diagnoses, followed by all the complications of Grandma's surgery and eventually her death, Grandpa hasn't been doing well since then, and now this. And as much as we're all trying to be strong for Debbie, I'm sure my mom and my aunt are wondering 'am I next?'

Thanks for the hugs.

[kazfloyd.livejournal.com]

So sorry to hear. My friend was just diagnosed with breast cancer on Wednesday. She is 40. My father in law began his fighting cancer battle in January with stage 4 lung.

Cancer sucks!!!

[garnigal.livejournal.com]

Cancer does suck. I'll be thinking of your friend and your father-in-law.

[jerusha]

*big, giant squishy hugs* I'm so sorry. Cancer sucks.

[garnigal.livejournal.com]

It really does. Now that Mom and Dad have moved in town, Mom was looking forward to having Debbie next door. Now she's trying not to burn out as she supports her baby sister.

[murielle.livejournal.com]

::Hugs::

My thoughts are with you, your aunt and your whole family.

[garnigal.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[whatawookie.livejournal.com]

I'm so, so sorry. I can't even imagine. I had a lump checked out a couple years back and it was a very stressful few weeks even with the "nothing to worry about" ending.

[garnigal.livejournal.com]

Thanks T.

[texanfan.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. I'll be praying for her and your family.

[garnigal.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much.

[jen-the-great.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear that Ann. Cancer sucks so hard.

[garnigal.livejournal.com]

thanks Jenn

[desdemonaspace]

Oh, my God! That is too young. I am so sorry, Garnigal. I will keep her and her fiance in my thoughts and prayers.